Medically reviewed by Christopher Lee, MD The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to every organ and tissue. It begins at the left ventricle, ...

Costal cartilage anchors them to the edge of the sternum, or breastbone, in the middle of the chest at the front of the body. These ribs attach to the thoracic vertebra of the spinal column in the ...